Fosi Audio ZA3 - NOT A GIANT KILLER. I'll wait for V3 Monos.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 มิ.ย. 2024
- I have used Fosi Audio ZA3s as monoblocks for the past two months. In this video I describe what I like about those class D amps, what I dislike and why I can't wait for the V3 Monos. All opinions are my own and I purchased the gear with my own money.
Here's my initial review of the amp, which I refer to in this video - • Fosi Audio ZA3 as MONO...
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- Fosi Audio ZA3 - amzn.to/3WpEhp5
- Wharfedale Linton - amzn.to/4a1Bvth
- Willsenton R8 - amzn.to/4aWvHCA
When you purchase something through these links, I get a small commission (hopefuly) and it doesn't cost you a penny more.
You can also "buy me a vinyl" here - www.buymeacoffee.com/normcore....
Thanks! - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Thank you for your review, just some remarks.
I do feel that soundcomparisons between amps should be done in blind listening test. I've noticed that many reviewers refer to X time more expensive gear, 'Big Boy stuff', which doesn't say anything about being 'better'. Besides that, we all know that tube-amps distort sound and therefore cannot be compared to Class D or SS amps. You, and many, prefer distortion and that's perfectly fine, but not in terms of objectivety.
Re. the gain knobs; why would you want to adjust when using it in a mono config? Just set it to full gain and adjust volume with your pre-amp/DAC. I agree that switching the unit on/off is a bit tedious, but like you said, there are triggers for that.
As a side note, I've noticed no hiss from my speakers (also Lintons and a minidsp flex as pre), which may also point to your pre-amp, cables, etc?
Re. power in mono: running the amps in monobloc puts the amps in (PBTL) which will NOT double power, however, does increase power output somewhat and more importantly, allows the amps to drive lower impedance loads and better driver control (benefits of exclusive use of one PSU per channel).
Tip re. future Fosi V3 mono review: make sure to get the version with 2 separate PSU's and NOT the split shared PSU (48V10A), as this will limit the amps at difficult loads. It also make no sence for a mono setup (each amp needs its own PSU for multiple and technical reasons).
Thanks for your comment. As for the V3 Monos, I did order two separate 10A PSUs. A shared PSU would make it more of a "dual mono" design rather than true monoblocs ;) But most importantly, I want to put them next to the speakers to have the shortest speaker cables possible.
When it comes to my review, I don't aspire to provide an "objective" one as this could only be performed by measuring the amp performance. The measurements however don't give the full picture since how we perceive music is totally subjective. Not to mention dependent on our rooms, listening position, our hearing etc.So I only present my subjective opinion and compare with what I have at hand. And I enjoy trying out different things to see which I like more. It's like with food - even if you are a gourmet every now and then you get yourself a hot dog from a gas station and it gives you guilty pleasure ;)
@@NormcoreGreg
Appreciate your reply and will happily follow you ;)
I've got 7-tube integrated amp that I purchased from AliExpress for less than $300 US dollars. When the reviews started coming out on the ZA-3, I decided that I would give it a try. I sent it back immediately, it had absolutely no depth of sound. Even my cheap tube amp is much more musical. My ultimate goal though is to own an amplifier like yours.
Tubes are hard to beat. I’m experimenting with tube preamps paired with ZA3s to see if such combo can result in tube airiness and class D power.
It is not a tube amp obviously. If you like that kind of sound you can add a tube pre-amp. If you want a truly good class d amp look het de Hypex, Purifi and ICEcore ones. The V3 mono is even less tubey than the ZA3. So you will probably like them even less unless you combine them with the right pre-amp. Class D tends to be transparent to whatever you feed it to amplify. So the sound character will depend heavily on your source.
Try to change opamps, currently I'm running ZA3's in mono and use Burson V7 Pro Vivid for XLR and two V7 Pro Classic for volume stage.
As far as I know there are three opamps in each ZA3. Swapping which brings the biggest impact in your opinion?
@@NormcoreGreg Five, including subwoofer opamps. Right Channel opamp makes the biggest difference in mono mode. If you use RCA and mono, it's the opamp you need to change. And you can take out all other "unused" opamps (just leave left channel, xlr and two sub opamp sockets empty). Stock NE5532 opamps make sound too "closed" with small sound stage.
But sound becomes much more dynamic with great instrument separation if you'll use XLR connection. RCA gives much softer, laid back presentation.
The left channel op amp can be removed or changed last, as it has the least impact on the sound.
Aiyima's monoblocks answer to the Fosi V3 monoblocks arrives during the month of June.
I hope to get my hands on them as well.
Most reviewers that claim the ZA3 is a giant killer upgraded the op amps… but i’m also leaning towards the V3 mono (w/ upgraded op amps and 48v/10a power supply).
I'm yet to explore this rabbit hole of op amp switching.
Over the last few days some concern has been raised over the 10A PSU rating of the V3 Mono (see the last few pages of Amirn's ASR review). Some suspect it is a 6.3A rating capable of 10A only in short bursts. As yet Fosi have not responded with a clarification.
I was going for the 48V 5A units anyway.
I wasn't planning on op-amp rolling but I've added a second Muses to my order as the one that Kickstarter backers receive is useless on it's own.
@leetaylor13 only use the 32v supplies with them....less noise and less heat. Still plenty of power....but really you should just look at real amps....these are a waste of time for most people in hifi.
@@StrangeBrewReviews Agreed. I have a V3 with 32V PSU and it's great for what it is, but it's not for serious hi-fi situations. I liked it at first but ended up switching back to my old Denon AVR since it does everything better and then some (except size). Once you start adding op amps that cost more than the whole amp itself, you're better off moving up to "real" amp territory.
what op amps do you change?
can this Drive better my Wharefedale evo 4.1 and Denon 600 amp ? i will loose good thinks vs Denon ?
@johngreek I don’t know if „better” is the best way to describe it. Your Denon is in my opinion warm sounding and not very detailed. The ZA3 has more power and detail, so it should be able to provide „cleaner” sound and instrument separation. I would just get one ZA3 on Amazon, try it out and return if the new sound is not to your liking.
Hey Greg!
Hey Broch!
Yes, I respect your dream, but I have 2 fosi audio za3, and for the first time I listened to it alone as a stereo and mono block connected to the Mexican production ne5532, my ears got very tired, especially when listening to stereo. i have a single amplifier and also a 2-MONTH 07 MAX amplifier, I listened to this amplifier on a single stereo for a long time, but my heart never got tired, the sound was not bad, the 07 MAX is on the Chinese-made ne5532, by the way, the Decals of the 2 amplifiers are original, read more. I have a stereo amplifier for a long time, and I also have 2 AYDA 07 MAX amplifiers, I listened to this amplifier in single stereo for a long time, but my heart never got tired, the sound was not bad, AYDA 07 MAX is made in Chinese ne5532 by the way, the 2 amp Decals are original, read more I put the original American-made NE5532 in my hand.
I see that the opam and important components used in devices such as the amplifier I bought from China, pre-tone control are of poor quality, and I'm replacing them with original parts I bought from DIGIKEY and MOUSER, and it costs a lot, but I think it's worth it, finally, I bought 4 integrated TPA3255DDVR amplifiers from DIGIKEY for fosi audio za3 and ayima 07 Max, I'll install it soon.
Finally, I have the original OPA2134, LMA4562, NE5532, MUSES 02, the existing MUSES 02s are very beautiful, so are the others, and I ordered the MUSES 01 MUSES 03 opams, they are coming on the way now everything will be much more beautiful.
The question is, if you put so much time and money into moding those devices, does purchasing them still make sense? 🤔
@@NormcoreGreg You're right, but I'm trying to make the amplifiers I have the most ideal, the most beautiful, and I want it to sound good like expensive amplifiers, so I'm trying, but if I had a hi-end amplifier like McIntosh, there would be no need to modify and upgrade.
Unfortunately, everything is very expensive in Turkey, buying anything from outside Turkey is very expensive, customs duties are very high,
@jaws_3417 building uour own stuff is more gratifying than just buying ready made. This hobby is about having fun and enjoying the process, so you’re on the right path :)
@@NormcoreGreg Thank you very much, yes, absolutely it is, you understand me very well :)
I'm waiting for V76 which should be out in 65 weeks. Hopefully by then, they will have all the problems worked out. 🤣
With their pace of development you might get it by Christmas.
@@NormcoreGregThe Fosi V76 has been superseded by the model V132. The model V132 comes with 6 200 watt solar panels eliminating the external power supplies. I enjoy my two ZA3’s and the P3 pre-amp. I’m waiting to receive my Kickstarter V3 mono blocks as a reward for pledging and supporting the V3 mono-blocks. I really think Fosi has hit weak spot in the market in affordable audio products.
@AlanFenick, I’m also waiting for the V3 Monos I backed on Kickstarter. On paper it looks like they address all the gripes I had about ZA3s working as monoblocs. Can’t wait to hear them in my system.
@@NormcoreGreg I have the feeling a lot of the larger manufacturers are worried about how Fosi and others have made such improvements with the TI TPA 3255 chip solving most,of the inherent problems with Class D amps. I hope you do well with your channel. Take care
The Linton's are not revealing enough to evaluate anything sadly. They sound very warm and are great at some things like relaxing sound but are very bad at detail . I know them well. They will mask a considerable amount of detail .
Preposterous. Provide a particular track example.
@@Eron55555 the whole lady blackbird album and many others. Don't get me wrong, the Lintons are great at bass and generally smooth but at the top end they are not in the game at all. But for Rock, 80's music they are great! They mask a lot of the harsness and give more mids and meat to the sound but some albums sound down right muddy. No speaker is perfect. Its always a choice. The GR research review says the same thing I'm saying but with measurements.
I admit that the Lintons may not be the most revealing of all speakers. However, I do find them well rounded and a good compromise. I enjoy them for all kinds of music (from metal to jazz), but they require careful pairing with electronics. For example, Cambridge Audio axr 100 was too warm for them. But Willsenton r8 seems to be a perfect match for my taste. I asli like how female and male vocals sound on Lintons. But again - it’s my personal preference.
@@philippelabrecque6658 Not familiar with Lady Blackbird. Can you point out a track/timestamp that is not detailed on the Lintons? GR research says a lot of things. ;p.
@@NormcoreGreg I've listened to ELAC UB52's, Emotiva B1+'s, Sony's, ect. And I find the Lintons when combined with the right electronics revealing enough. I was not a fan of the Emotiva's so maybe detail, whatever that means in the audio world is not my thing..
No. They are not.....the Yamaha as301 easily beat it..
I believe this, I have a single Za3, it doesn't beat my 11 year old entry level 100w receiver in terms of pure sound quality, what are other desktop-sized alternatives that sound good, Schiit Gjallhorn, Emotiva A2m, Rega Brio/IO?
@aeon7748 TEAC 301 and 505 series....a little more than schiit gear...but these even punch way way above their weight at their price....very worth it.....and don't worry about the low power rating of the 300 series...the hypexNcore absolutely delivers and beats amps 4x the power.
@@StrangeBrewReviews Interesting, Thank you for the suggestion.
your english is getting close, but my attention span can’t keep up. kudos for the the effort tho.
I'm a sloooow talker 🤷♂️ But you can always play it at x2 speed ;)
The Fosi ZA 3 is not a $1000.00 amplifier, it is an affordable listenable alternative to expensive unaffordable amplifiers. You’re comparing apples and oranges when comparing tube electronics to transistor based electronics. Because you could it hear the background hiss with your ear to the speaker and not at a listening distance you didn’t fairly evaluate the amplifier. What did you do to mitigate it! Did you swap power supplies, change outlets or input cables? This is not a fair evaluation and your personal prejudices interfere with the outcomes.
@alanfenick, I’m perfectly aware that this is by no means an „objective” review, but can there be an unbiased one? I’m simply describing my experiences with the gear and my impressions. They’re biased by my room’s acoustics, the quality of source materials and all other componensts of my system. Most probably also by my wife’s mood and my children’s behaviour on a given day :)
I simply enjoy trying out different audio components and seek the synergy that brings me joy. And then I get bored and start looking for something different.
Finally, I’m just trying to figure out if the youtube space works out for me.
I like apples and oranges. Life would be boring if you could only have one of them ;)